Here's something to consider when comparing LTE networks in the United States: while some of its rivals can count the number of LTE markets on two hands or have milestones of 100 to 200 markets, Verizon Wireless' LTE footprint today reaches over 500 cities and towns.

Verizon today announced that Parkersburg, West Virginia has become the 500th market to gain LTE service. Adding the 31,000-resident town - along with other launches today in New York, Pennsylvania, and Kansas - pushes Verizon to reaching more than 298 million people across the country. The carrier has furthered its position as having the most expansive LTE coverage in the U.S. - it's closest competitor, AT&T, is in more than 200 markets - and covered 99 percent of its 3G coverage area.

Verizon will next turn to enhancing its LTE network. AT&T is currently rated as having the fastest LTE network on average, but results vary by market. The company currently maintains data speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps downloads and 2 to 5 Mbps uploads. The carrier already reports that 57 percent of all data trafficked on its network is done over 4G LTE, so there's still a large number of customers left to transfer over from 3G. Then there's the matter of delivering faster 4G service with LTE-Advanced and enhancing call quality with Voice over LTE (VoLTE).